Back in Switzerland...

As one chapter ends another begins. My last post was a little over 5 months ago. After a long wait, two and a half months to be exact, I finally got a job. This year I find myself in a familiar place, I’ve returned to Switzerland but not to Massagno, to their next door neighbor Lugano. For those of you who don't know it is the Italian cultured region in the southern part of Switzerland. I arrived here safely with no bumps or delays. I am extremely excited to be back here. I have a lot of fond memories here and good friends to reconnect with. I am also excited to show Lele where I live. She arrives on November 30^th, I haven’t booked her flight yet but that’s the date. Her first taste of Europe was mainly Poland. Although we had a good time in Poland I think Switzerland is just what she needs to get the real European experience. Speaking of European experience, I know everyone who has traveled or played in Europe understands the differences we Americans are spoiled with in our everyday lives. I am by no means complaining just pointing out the disparity and the gratefulness I have for my blessings back home. For instance I am in a 150-250sqft studio flat, with old towels, used bedding sets, warn chairs, 15inch TV that doesn’t work, no internet but should have it shortly, a killer whale night lamp, heated floors, can hear trains passing by, a bidet next to the toilet, a restaurant/ bar on the first floor and only 3 outlet plugs in the whole place (there is more outlets in the bathroom). Life of a professional basketball player in Switzerland can’t get much better than that. LOL good thing there is an IKEA here.The Lugano Tigers (www.Luganobasket.ch) is the name of my new team. They’re the top team in Switzerland and a Euro-challenge team. Prior to my arrival they already qualified for the Euro-challenge regular season and have begun the Swiss League (LNA) 3-0. Last year they won the championship and return most of their players. Coach (Joe Whelton) said they had a veteran Swiss point guard but he retired at the beginning of the year so players have been playing out of their typical position. That being said, I was told they’re in need of a true point guard, more of a pass first, knock down the open shot , take care of the ball and play good defense type. After watching our practice tonight it’s easy to see guys can score and are talented. As of right now that’s what I see my role being, obviously it could end up being different but I think that’s where it stands currently. The main goals of this year are to win the Swiss Cup, The Swiss Championship and advance as deep as possible in the Euro-challenge (http://www.fibaeurope.com/cid_KNce8jInH7Qj1EsyH5rjn2.compID_BYg5Rb55Jw-G5I3MZ6JB01.html). We’re in Group C of the 24 team bracket play. We’ll play each team twice, Benefica of Lisbon, Portugal, T/U Rock of Tartu, Estonia and Lukoil Academic of Sofia, Bulgaria. Here’s the website if you want to check out the results, our first is Nov. 16^th.

That’s a little update on my current status. Here are a few highlights from this past summer. I spent most of my time back home hanging with the family and Lele. I got to watch my nephew play baseball and I also got to catch a few football games. Made it to the lake only a few times, which was kind of a bummer but I’ll be sure to get out there a few more times next summer. I did some serious camping. My first camping trip was in the back yard of my girls place, she owns 11 acres and I met all of her mom’s side of the family (18 tents & 54 relatives). Another camping trip I made this year was to the northern coast a campsite called Patrick’s Point near the Redwood National Forest. Some great one on one time with Lele, the first day we got there we hiked five hours to all the major vista points and along the beach. I also made 2 trips to Las Vegas this year, once for my girlfriend’s cousin turning 21 and another time for my good buddy CJ’s bachelor party. I spent way too much money on both trips.

Furthermore, I spent Labor Day weekend in Phoenix playing in a Chicano tournament with my friend Chris Gonzalez. Even though I was there playing it was a great chance to see my family. Over the past 3 summers I have made it down to Arizona to see them, even though my stay wasn’t for the duration it usually is, nor the reason, it was great to see them and is very important to me that I get to see them as much as I can. I made it down to the bay a few times this summer too but definitely not as much as I would have liked. My Santa Clara extended family is important to me and I didn’t get to see them as much as I would have liked. So if any of you are reading this I apologize. I also wanted to them to get to know Lele as she is such a huge part of my life now and my SCU family is also, I want to be able to bring the best of both worlds together. Lastly, I will miss date nights with the babe. Whether it is matinee all day, dinner at Rivers or at aqua golf, it seemed like those were my happiest times this summer.

Anyway, enough of this sappy stuff its basketball season, time to eat, sleep, play and make a little money on the side. I hope everyone had a good summer and are enjoying the fall weather. I’m trying to get acclimated in my new environment and excited about my new Journey. Until Next time……………………………………………………………. Love

"Enjoy the Journey"

Love

Bud